Most people “know” that good nutrition is linked to better health. Yet, folks are often very confused as to what exactly eating “healthy” means, let alone how to begin making positive changes in their own lives. Even those who understand basic nutrition and want to make better choices, may find it incredibly difficult to actually do so.

The commercial sexual exploitation of girls doesn’t happen in a vacuum. There are 100,000 to 300,000 children at risk of commercial sexual exploitation each year in the United States. In New York City alone there are an estimated 2,200 children victimized annually. Girls Educational & Mentoring Services (GEMS) is the only organization in New York State specifically designed to serve girls and young women who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking.

According to Jane Clapp, the founder of Urbanfitt, the answer is a resounding YES!...but she doesn't like to call it "exercise". We were honored to interview her and learn more about her integrative approach to helping more than 1,000 clients heal from the physical and emotional effects of trauma.

In "Fitness Deserts", exercise not only improves health outcomes: It also creates community in more ways than one. In honor of Independence Day, David F. Brand, a true integrator of fitness and mental health support, shares his work--and how it can prove especially beneficial to veterans.